Amaechi in Akure: Why Nigeria needs me as President

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has called on the people of Ondo State to support his presidential aspiration, describing himself as the man Nigeria needs to tackle insecurity, poverty and other challenges bewildering the country.

Amaechi made the call while speaking at the palace of Deji of Akure, the Ondo State capital on Monday.

According to the minister, “Nigeria needs a detribalised, firm and effective leader.”

Amaechi stressed that he stands out in many regards, especially when he take a critical look at his numerous achievements when he held sway as Governor of Rivers State and his current assignment as Minister of Transportation.

He said: “In less than one year I became the governor of Rivers State, militancy stopped in the state and the reason why it stop was that every time there was militancy, our revenue from the federal government dropped so we needed to look for money in order to develop the state, to stop the kidnapping and others.

“I have had the experience in finding lasting solution to insecurity in my state; I’m not the person that they will teach because I have already known. Besides, I’m still going to learn on how we will end insecurity in our dear country.

“I’m going to give all necessary backing to the issue of security in order to secure the nation, I also believe that if we grow the economic and support our security system we will definitely find a lasting solution to insecurity. I have participated in moving this country forward and I will continue to do so.

“Your vote is matter this time around, we are here in Akure this time around to seek your support, and not for only general elections but for us to win the primary election which will give us the grace to be party candidate and once we have voted for in the general election, the traditional rulers will be giving a responsibility to play in the constitution.

“There will be no segregation, I promise to deliver and move this country forward. Take for instance, you can see our railway, I want to tell you that Akure was not part of the railway project before but when I came as a Minister, I included Akure, they told me also that they wanted Seaport and I said there was no problem once you have the facilities our own is to give you licence.

“We must vote for the candidate that will make the ongoing railway project to continue, if voted for the wrong person the railway project will be aborted. If Akure wants the railway project to continue, you hold me a vote because politics is about interest,” the former governor stated.

While speaking on what distinguished him from other presidential aspirants, Ameachi said: “I came as 8 years Speaker, 8 years as governor, 7 years as Minister, I chaired the governors forum which I believe will help me to govern this country successfully.”

The minister said he should be encouraged and supported to give the presidency a shot for Nigeria to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of infrastructure and development.

The Star

Segun Ojo